Leadership from seniors is important, especially when there are only three seniors on a team. This year’s Lady Lion cross country team has just five members and two are seniors-Amanda Miller and Amy Bare.

These two harriers, who starting running in junior high, not only share leadership roles, but also share another key factor for runners, “we have had the same shoe every year,” Amanda said with a laugh.

Miller and Bare say some of their responsibilities include answering questions, showing the other girls the courses, making sure things get done at practice and showing enthusiasm and confidence in the team.

With only five runners, all five have to compete in each meet for the team to qualify. In each race, teams can run up to seven runners, but five score. That puts added pressure on the Lady Lions as each must come ready to perform every day.

“I had some knee problems earlier in the year. Even though I was in a lot of pain, I had to run for the team,” Amy said.

Cross country is a unique sport as individuals compete for the benefit of the team.

“We have to try hard individually to have success as a team,” Amanda said.

Both feel cross country is a great sport.

“It is the best sport we have. It is a great team and individual sport,” Amanda added. “Work hard and it pays off.”

“You don’t have to be a great athlete to compete. You can always work hard and improve,” Amy said.

“There are really nice people that run. It is competitive, but the runners from other teams are nice to you,” Amy added.

With two of the five runners being gone next year due to graduation, these two Lady Lions are hoping more will try the sport.

“If you have any desire to run, please do. They are really going to need you next year,” Amy said. “Anybody can do it. It is a great sport.”

The five Lady Lions enter sectional action Tuesday at Connersville and Miller is looking for big things from the Lady Lions.

“We are going to take second place. Last year, we finished third and lost to Union County and Connersville. We beat Connersville this year, so we are going after second,” Amanda said. “I guarantee a spot in the regional.”